Statement by the Republic of Lithuania at the Security Council open debate on “Protecting civilians in armed conflict: addressing emerging threats, ensuring safety of civilians, humanitarian and UN personnel, journalists and media professionals and enhancing accountability mechanisms”
Statement by the Republic of Lithuania at the Security Council open debate on “Protecting civilians in armed conflict: addressing emerging threats, ensuring safety of civilians, humanitarian and UN personnel, journalists and media professionals and enhancing accountability mechanisms” on Thursday, 22 May 2025.
Mr. President,
I extend my gratitude to the Greek Presidency of the Security Council for convening this critical debate. Lithuania aligns itself with the statement delivered by the European Union and wishes to contribute additional observations in our national capacity.
We have carefully examined the Secretary-General's Report on Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict, which paints a deeply troubling portrait of global suffering. The documented loss of at least 36,000 civilian lives across 14 armed conflicts in 2024 represents not merely statistics, but a profound moral failure that demands our collective attention and urgent action.
The President of the International Committee of the Red Cross has issued a stark warning regarding the alarming erosion of international humanitarian law—a foundation stone of civilized conduct in warfare. It is incumbent upon all States to honor their solemn obligations under international law. When allegations of IHL violations and grave human rights abuses emerge from armed conflicts, they must be met with swift, impartial, and credible investigations, ensuring that those responsible face justice in accordance with international legal standards. Lithuania proudly participates in the Global Initiative to galvanize political commitment for IHL and extends our unwavering support to the leadership of the ICRC.
Mr. President,
The situation in Ukraine continues to exemplify the devastating consequences when international law is systematically violated. Russia's relentless campaign against Ukrainian civilians and prisoners of war encompasses a litany of war crimes: deliberate targeting, torture, and execution of innocent civilians; the forced deportation and illegal transfer of Ukrainian children in what constitutes a genocidal attempt to erase their national identity; and the systematic destruction of cities and critical infrastructure, particularly energy and healthcare facilities, leaving countless civilians bereft of essential services and medical care.
We categorically condemn these practices, which constitute Russia's state-sanctioned policy of terror and demonstrate contempt for the fundamental principles of international humanitarian law. We urgently call upon the international community to focus its attention on the plight of Ukrainian civilian detainees and prisoners of war, who face systematic attacks, executions—including summary killings—widespread and methodical torture, prolonged incommunicado detention, and enforced disappearance. These actions constitute clear war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Mr. President,
We must also address the grave humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza. International humanitarian law unequivocally prohibits indiscriminate attacks, the obstruction of life-saving humanitarian assistance, the destruction of infrastructure essential for civilian survival, and the taking of hostages. On May 19, Lithuania joined twenty-two other nations in demanding the complete resumption of aid to Gaza following the partial lifting of the blockade, as civilians face the specter of starvation. We call for enabling the United Nations and humanitarian organizations to operate independently and impartially in their life-saving mission, while reiterating our firm conviction that Hamas must immediately and unconditionally release all remaining hostages and cease interference with humanitarian assistance distribution.
Mr. President,
Lithuania pays solemn tribute to the courage and dedication of journalists and media workers worldwide, particularly those who risk their lives reporting from conflict zones and under repressive regimes.
Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, has gravely undermined media freedom and journalist safety. According to the OSCE Moscow Mechanism report of April 2024, journalists are among the thousands of Ukrainian civilians arbitrarily detained by Russian forces. Russia continues its deliberate targeting of media facilities throughout Ukraine. Recent examples include the April 13, 2025 strike that damaged several media offices in Sumy, and the April 6, 2025 nighttime attack on a Kyiv office building housing Inomovlennya, Ukraine's state foreign broadcasting service.
We honor the memory of Ukrainian journalist Victoria Roshchyna, whose courageous frontline reporting on Russia's aggression against Ukraine exemplified the highest standards of journalistic integrity. Russia captured, imprisoned, tortured, starved, and ultimately murdered Victoria in September 2024. Her mutilated remains, bearing evidence of organ removal, were returned to her homeland mere weeks ago—a testament to the barbaric treatment inflicted upon those who dare to bear witness to truth.
Mr. President,
Lithuania extends its steadfast support to the United Nations, its agencies, and humanitarian actors who courageously assist civilians suffering in military conflicts across the globe.
We particularly commend the invaluable work of the Commission of Inquiry and the United Nations Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine. Its impartial and credible documentation of systematic violations of international humanitarian law and human rights abuses committed by the Russian Federation provides an indispensable foundation for the international community's accountability efforts. The Mission exemplifies effective UN engagement in documenting grave breaches while upholding the principles of international law. Russia must be held fully accountable for all violations of international humanitarian law and the crime of aggression.
We pay tribute to all humanitarian and UN workers, especially honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice, as 2024 became the deadliest year on record with more than 360 humanitarian workers killed across 20 countries.
In conclusion, as we engage in the Secretary-General's UN80 initiative and deliberate on the proposed "humanitarian reset," Lithuania firmly maintains that we must not permit any concessions that would compromise the protection, lives, or well-being of civilians. Civilian protection is non-negotiable—it represents both a fundamental obligation under international law and a moral imperative.
I thank you.
